effect of estrogen on wound healing in rats

Cutaneous wound healing involves multiple cooperative molecular processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, wound contraction, granulation tissue formation, reepithelialization, and matrix deposition. We studied the effects of topical estrogen on wound healing in male rats. This experimental study was done on 40 male rats. A circular wound with a diameter of 2cm was induced on each rats right flank. Twenty rats received topical estrogen [case group]. And twenty other rats received placebo [control group]. After the 5th, 10th, 15th, 30th, 35th, 40th and 45th days, healing process was compared between the two groups. On the 10th and 20th days the total healing surface in the case group was about 89.9% and 100% respectively and 75% and 98,4% [p<0.05 and P>0.05]in the control group. Microscopic views revealed the formation of epithelial layer and hair follicles, progressive angiogenesis without scarring in case group. But neither hair follicles nor complete epithelial layer in the control group Topical estrogen administration results in significant progress of cutaneous wound healing, leaving no scar or crust formation. Topical estrogen administration accelerates healing without changing plasma estrogen level and can minimize the probable wound complications